CAST vs. CONVERT — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 2, 2023
CAST and CONVERT are both SQL functions to change data types. While CAST uses a simpler syntax, CONVERT offers more flexibility with formats, especially for dates.
Difference Between CAST and CONVERT
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
CAST is an SQL function that allows you to change the data type of a column or value in a database. The syntax for CAST is straightforward, typically requiring just the source value and the desired target data type. On the other hand, CONVERT is another SQL function that provides similar functionality but comes with added flexibility, particularly with date and time conversions.
Using CAST, you can easily change a value's data type with a minimalistic approach. For example, if you want to change a numeric value to a string, you can do so by specifying the target data type in the CAST function. CONVERT, however, goes beyond just basic type conversion. It offers additional arguments, which can be used to format the result, making it especially useful when working with dates.
The key benefit of CAST is its simplicity. For straightforward type conversions, CAST is often the go-to choice because of its uncomplicated syntax. But when more control or specific formatting is required, CONVERT becomes the preferred choice. This is because CONVERT can handle a wider range of data types and offer extended formatting options.
In practice, if you're dealing with basic data type changes without the need for specific formatting, CAST will often suffice. However, if you're working with date and time values and need to represent them in a particular format, or if you're dealing with more complex conversions, CONVERT would be more appropriate.
Both CAST and CONVERT are essential tools in the SQL toolkit. Knowing when to use each one can optimize data processing, improve query performance, and ensure data accuracy.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Changes data types.
Changes data types with additional formatting.
Syntax Simplicity
Simple syntax.
More complex with additional options.
Date and Time Formatting
Limited support.
Extended support for various date/time formats.
Flexibility
Limited to basic conversions.
Greater flexibility with conversions.
Usage
Preferred for straightforward type changes.
Used for complex conversions and date formatting.
Compare with Definitions
Cast
An operation that changes the data type of a value.
She used the CAST function to change the integer into a string in her database.
Convert
An SQL function that changes data types with additional formatting options.
To format the date properly, she decided to use the CONVERT function.
Cast
A method to transform data into a different format.
The software engineer recommended using CAST to switch from decimal to integer.
Convert
A versatile tool in SQL for data type change and formatting.
Thanks to CONVERT, the timestamp data was displayed in the desired format.
Cast
A technique to ensure data consistency in programming.
CAST can prevent errors when two different data types need to be compared.
Convert
A function that offers precision in data transformation.
For specific date formats, it's often better to use CONVERT instead of CAST.
Cast
Throw (something) forcefully in a specified direction
Individuals who do not accept the norms are cast out from the group
He cast the book down on to the chair angrily
The fishermen cast a large net around a school of tuna
Convert
To change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product; transform
Convert water into ice.
Cast
Cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface
The moon cast a pale light over the cottages
Convert
To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another; adapt to a new or different purpose
Convert a forest into farmland.
Cast
Discard
He jumped in, casting caution to the wind
Convert
To persuade or induce to adopt a particular religion, faith, or belief
Convert pagans to Christianity.
Was converted to pacifism by the war.
Cast
Shape (metal or other material) by pouring it into a mould while molten
When hammered or cast, bronze could be made into tools
Convert
To exchange for something of equal value
Convert assets into cash.
Cast
Register (a vote)
Votes have been cast in 40 per cent of the seats
Convert
To express (a quantity) in alternative units
Converting feet into meters.
Cast
Cause (a magic spell) to take effect
The city casts a spell on the visitor
The witch cast a spell on her to turn her into a beast
Convert
(Logic) To transform (a proposition) by conversion.
Cast
Calculate and record details of (a horoscope)
You can look at the star chart cast at somebody's birth
Convert
(Law) To appropriate (another's property) without right to one's own use.
Cast
(in country dancing) change one's position by moving a certain number of places in a certain direction along the outside of the line in which one is dancing
Cross the set and cast down one place
Convert
To complete (a conversion, penalty shot, or free throw) successfully.
Cast
(of a dog) search in different directions for a lost scent
The dog cast furiously for the vanished rabbit
Convert
To score (a spare) in bowling.
Cast
Immobilize (an animal, especially a cow) by using a rope to cause it to fall on its side.
Convert
To undergo a conversion
We converted to Islam several years ago.
Cast
Assign a part in a play or film to (an actor)
He was cast as a young knight in her lavish historical epic
Convert
To be converted
A sofa that converts into a bed.
Arms factories converting to peacetime production.
Cast
An object made by shaping molten metal or similar material in a mould
Bronze casts of the sculpture
Convert
(Football) To make a conversion.
Cast
An act of throwing something forcefully
He grabbed a spear for a third cast
Convert
(Sports) To shoot and score a goal, especially immediately after receiving a pass or gaining control of a rebound.
Cast
The form or appearance of something, especially someone's features or complexion
She had a somewhat masculine cast of countenance
The colours he wore emphasized the olive cast of his skin
Convert
One who has been converted, especially from one religion or belief to another.
Cast
A slight squint
He had a cast in one eye
Convert
(transitive) To transform or change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product.
A kettle converts water into steam.
Cast
Short for worm cast
Convert
(transitive) To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another.
He converted his garden into a tennis court.
Cast
A wide search made by a hound or pack of hounds to find a trail.
Convert
(transitive) To induce (someone) to adopt a particular religion, faith, ideology or belief see also sense 11.
They converted her to Roman Catholicism on her deathbed.
Cast
A pair or group of hawks or falcons
He gave one thousand pounds for a cast of hawks
Convert
(transitive) To exchange for something of equal value.
We converted our pounds into euros.
Cast
The actors taking part in a play, film, or other production
He draws sensitive performances from his inexperienced cast
Convert
(transitive) To express (a quantity) in alternative units.
Cast
To throw (something, especially something light)
The boy cast stones in the water.
Convert
(transitive) To express (a unit of measurement) in terms of another; to furnish a mathematical formula by which a quantity, expressed in the former unit, may be given in the latter.
How do you convert feet into metres?
Cast
To throw with force; hurl
Waves that cast driftwood far up on the shore.
Convert
To appropriate wrongfully or unlawfully; to commit the common law tort of conversion.
Cast
To throw or propel a lure or bait at the end of (a fishing line) into the water so as to catch fish or other aquatic life.
Convert
To score extra points after (a try) by completing a conversion.
Cast
To throw (a net), as in fishing; cause to spread out.
Convert
To score (especially a penalty kick).
Cast
To throw on the ground, as in wrestling.
Convert
To score a spare.
Cast
To let fall; drop
Cast anchor.
Convert
(intransitive) To undergo a conversion of religion, faith or belief see also sense 3.
We’ve converted to Methodism.
Cast
To roll or throw (dice, for example).
Convert
(intransitive) To become converted.
The chair converts into a bed.
Cast
To draw (lots).
Convert
To cause to turn; to turn.
Cast
To shed; molt
The snake cast its skin.
Convert
To change (one proposition) into another, so that what was the subject of the first becomes the predicate of the second.
Cast
To deposit or indicate (a ballot or vote).
Convert
To turn into another language; to translate.
Cast
To turn or direct
All eyes were cast upon the speaker.
Convert
To increase one's individual score, especially from 50 runs (a fifty) to 100 runs (a century), or from a century to a double or triple century.
Cast
To cause to fall onto or over something or in a certain direction
Candles casting light.
Trees casting shadows.
Convert
To perform the action that an online advertisement is intended to induce; to reach the point of conversion.
Each time a user clicks on one of your adverts, you will be charged the bid amount whether the user converts or not.
Cast
To assert in relation to someone or something or cause to be associated
Don't let him cast aspersions on your character. The results cast doubt on our hypothesis.
Convert
To transform a material or positional advantage into a win.
Cast
To give birth to prematurely
The cow cast a calf.
Convert
A person who has converted to a religion.
They were all converts to Islam.
Cast
To cause (hunting hounds) to scatter and circle in search of a lost scent.
Convert
A person who is now in favour of something that he or she previously opposed or disliked.
I never really liked broccoli before, but now that I've tasted it the way you cook it, I'm a convert!
Cast
To choose actors for (a play, for example).
Convert
(Canadian football) The equivalent of a conversion in rugby
Cast
To assign a certain role to (an actor)
Cast her as the lead.
Convert
To cause to turn; to turn.
O, which way shall I first convert myself?
Cast
To assign an actor to (a part)
Cast each role carefully.
Convert
To change or turn from one state or condition to another; to alter in form, substance, or quality; to transform; to transmute; as, to convert water into ice.
If the whole atmosphere were converted into water.
That still lessensThe sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.
Cast
To form (liquid metal, for example) into a particular shape by pouring into a mold.
Convert
To change or turn from one belief or course to another, as from one religion to another or from one party or sect to another.
No attempt was made to convert the Moslems.
Cast
To make (an object) by casting liquid metal.
Convert
To produce the spiritual change called conversion in (any one); to turn from a bad life to a good one; to change the heart and moral character of (any one) from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness.
He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death.
Cast
To arrange or devise
Cast the book in three parts.
Cast a plan.
Convert
To apply to any use by a diversion from the proper or intended use; to appropriate dishonestly or illegally.
When a bystander took a coin to get it changed, and converted it, [it was] held no larceny.
Cast
To calculate or compute; add up (a column of figures).
Convert
To exchange for some specified equivalent; as, to convert goods into money.
Cast
To calculate astrologically
Cast my horoscope.
Convert
To change (one proposition) into another, so that what was the subject of the first becomes the predicate of the second.
Cast
To warp; twist
Floorboards cast by age.
Convert
To turn into another language; to translate.
Which story . . . Catullus more elegantly converted.
Cast
(Nautical) To turn (a ship); change to the opposite tack.
Convert
To be turned or changed in character or direction; to undergo a change, physically or morally.
If Nebo had had the preaching that thou hast, they [the Neboites] would have converted.
A red dust which converth into worms.
The public hopeAnd eye to thee converting.
Cast
To throw something, especially to throw out a lure or bait at the end of a fishing line.
Convert
A person who is converted from one opinion or practice to another; a person who is won over to, or heartily embraces, a creed, religious system, or party, in which he has not previously believed; especially, one who turns from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness, or from unbelief to Christianity.
The Jesuits did not persuade the converts to lay aside the use of images.
Cast
To add a column of figures; make calculations.
Convert
A lay friar or brother, permitted to enter a monastery for the service of the house, but without orders, and not allowed to sing in the choir.
Cast
To receive form or shape in a mold
A material that casts well.
Convert
A person who has been converted to another religious or political belief
Cast
To become warped.
Convert
Change the nature, purpose, or function of something;
Convert lead into gold
Convert hotels into jails
Convert slaves to laborers
Cast
To search for a lost scent in hunting with hounds.
Convert
Change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy;
We converted from 220 to 110 Volt
Cast
To veer to leeward from a former course; fall off.
Convert
Change religious beliefs, or adopt a religious belief;
She converted to Buddhism
Cast
To put about; tack.
Convert
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Cast
To choose actors for the parts in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.
Convert
Cause to adopt a new or different faith;
The missionaries converted the Indian population
Cast
The act or an instance of casting or throwing.
Convert
Score an extra point or points after touchdown by kicking the ball through the uprights or advancing the ball into the endzone;
Smith converted and his team won
Cast
The act or an instance of throwing a fishing line or net into the water.
Convert
Complete successfully;
Score a penalty shot or free throw
Cast
The line or net thrown.
Convert
Score (a spare)
Cast
The distance covered by a throw.
Convert
Make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something;
He had finally convinced several customers of the advantages of his product
Cast
A throw of dice.
Convert
Exchange a penalty for a less severe one
Cast
The number on dice facing up when thrown.
Convert
Change in nature, purpose, or function; especially undergo a chemical change;
The substance converts to an acid
Cast
A stroke of fortune or fate; a lot.
Convert
A method to transform and format data in databases.
When the standard conversion didn't work, CONVERT provided the necessary flexibility.
Cast
Something, such as molted skin, that is thrown off, out, or away.
Convert
A technique to ensure accurate data representation in SQL.
She used CONVERT to not only change the data type but also to format it correctly.
Cast
A piece of excrement produced by an earthworm.
Cast
A direction or expression of the eyes.
Cast
A slight squint.
Cast
The addition of a column of figures; calculation.
Cast
A conjecture; a forecast.
Cast
The act of pouring molten material into a mold.
Cast
The amount of molten material poured into a mold at a single operation.
Cast
Something formed by this means or in a mold or matrix
The sculpture was a bronze cast. They made a cast of her face.
Cast
A rigid dressing, usually made of gauze and plaster of Paris, used to immobilize an injured body part, as in a fracture or dislocation. Also called plaster cast.
Cast
The form in which something is made or constructed; arrangement
The close-set cast of her features.
Cast
Outward form or look; appearance
A suit of stylish cast.
Cast
Sort; type
Fancied himself to be of a macho cast.
Cast
An inclination; tendency
Her thoughtful cast of mind.
Cast
The actors in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.
Cast
A slight trace of color; a tinge.
Cast
A distortion of shape.
Cast
The circling of hounds to pick up a scent in hunting.
Cast
A pair of hawks released by a falconer at one time.
Cast
(physical) To move, or be moved, away.
Cast
To throw.
Cast
To throw forward (a fishing line, net etc.) into the sea.
Cast
To throw down or aside.
Cast
(of an animal) To throw off (the skin) as a process of growth; to shed the hair or fur of the coat.
Cast
To remove, take off (clothes).
Cast
(nautical) To heave the lead and line in order to ascertain the depth of water.
Cast
(obsolete) To vomit.
Cast
(archaic) To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.
Cast
(archaic) To throw out or emit; to exhale.
Cast
To direct (one's eyes, gaze etc.).
Cast
(dated) To add up (a column of figures, accounts etc.); cross-cast refers to adding up a row of figures.
Cast
(social) To predict, to decide, to plan.
Cast
(astrology) To calculate the astrological value of (a horoscope, birth etc.).
Cast
(obsolete) To plan, intend.
Cast
(transitive) To assign (a role in a play or performance).
The director cast the part carefully.
Cast
(transitive) To assign a role in a play or performance to (an actor).
The director cast John Smith as King Lear.
Cast
To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan.
To cast about for reasons
Cast
(archaic) To impose; to bestow; to rest.
Cast
(archaic) To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict.
To be cast in damages
Cast
To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide.
A casting voice
Cast
To perform, bring forth (a magical spell or enchantment).
Cast
To throw (light etc.) on or upon something, or in a given direction.
Cast
(archaic) To give birth to (a child) prematurely; to miscarry.
Cast
To shape (molten metal etc.) by pouring into a mould; to make (an object) in such a way.
Cast
To stereotype or electrotype.
Cast
To twist or warp (of fabric, timber etc.).
Cast
(nautical) To bring the bows of a sailing ship on to the required tack just as the anchor is weighed by use of the headsail; to bring (a ship) round.
Cast
To deposit (a ballot or voting paper); to formally register (one's vote).
Cast
(computing) To change a variable type from, for example, integer to real, or integer to text.
Casting is generally an indication of bad design.
Cast
(hunting) Of dogs, hunters: to spread out and search for a scent.
Cast
(medicine) To set (a bone etc.) in a cast.
Some are still missing examples
Cast
(Wicca) To open a circle in order to begin a spell or meeting of witches.
Cast
(media) To broadcast (video) over the Internet or a local network, especially to one's television.
The streamer was the first to cast footage of the new game.
Cast
An act of throwing.
Cast
(fishing) An instance of throwing out a fishing line.
Cast
Something which has been thrown, dispersed etc.
Cast
A small mass of earth "thrown off" or excreted by a worm.
The area near the stream was covered with little bubbly worm casts.
Cast
The collective group of actors performing a play or production together. Contrasted with crew.
He’s in the cast of Oliver.
The cast was praised for a fine performance.
Cast
The casting procedure.
The men got into position for the cast, two at the ladle, two with long rods, all with heavy clothing.
Cast
An object made in a mould.
The cast would need a great deal of machining to become a recognizable finished part.
Cast
A supportive and immobilising device used to help mend broken bones.
The doctor put a cast on the boy’s broken arm.
Cast
The mould used to make cast objects.
A plaster cast was made from his face.
Cast
(hawking) The number of hawks (or occasionally other birds) cast off at one time; a pair.
Cast
A squint.
Cast
Visual appearance.
Her features had a delicate cast to them.
Cast
The form of one's thoughts, mind etc.
A cast of mind, a mental tendency.
Cast
Animal and insect remains which have been regurgitated by a bird.
Cast
A group of crabs.
Cast
Of an animal, such as a horse or sheep: Lying in a position from which it cannot rise on its own.
Cast
To send or drive by force; to throw; to fling; to hurl; to impel.
Uzziah prepared . . . slings to cast stones.
Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
We must be cast upon a certain island.
Cast
To direct or turn, as the eyes.
How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!
Cast
To drop; to deposit; as, to cast a ballot.
Cast
To throw down, as in wrestling.
Cast
To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.
Thine enemies shall cast a trench [bank] about thee.
Cast
To throw off; to eject; to shed; to lose.
His filth within being cast.
Neither shall your vine cast her fruit.
The creatures that cast the skin are the snake, the viper, etc.
Cast
To bring forth prematurely; to slink.
Thy she-goats have not cast their young.
Cast
To throw out or emit; to exhale.
This . . . casts a sulphureous smell.
Cast
To cause to fall; to shed; to reflect; to throw; as, to cast a ray upon a screen; to cast light upon a subject.
Cast
To impose; to bestow; to rest.
The government I cast upon my brother.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord.
Cast
To dismiss; to discard; to cashier.
The state can not with safety cast him.
Cast
To compute; to reckon; to calculate; as, to cast a horoscope.
You cast the event of war, my noble lord.
Cast
To contrive; to plan.
The cloister . . . had, I doubt not, been cast for [an orange-house].
Cast
To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict; as, to be cast in damages.
She was cast to be hanged.
Were the case referred to any competent judge, they would inevitably be cast.
Cast
To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide; as, a casting voice.
How much interest casts the balance in cases dubious!
Cast
To form into a particular shape, by pouring liquid metal or other material into a mold; to fashion; to found; as, to cast bells, stoves, bullets.
Cast
To stereotype or electrotype.
Cast
To fix, distribute, or allot, as the parts of a play among actors; also to assign (an actor) for a part.
Our parts in the other world will be new cast.
Cast
To throw, as a line in angling, esp, with a fly hook.
Cast
To turn the head of a vessel around from the wind in getting under weigh.
Weigh anchor, cast to starboard.
Cast
To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan; as, to cast about for reasons.
She . . . cast in her mind what manner of salution this should be.
Cast
To calculate; to compute.
Who would cast and balance at a desk.
Cast
To receive form or shape in a mold.
It will not run thin, so as to cast and mold.
Cast
To warp; to become twisted out of shape.
Stuff is said to cast or warp when . . . it alters its flatness or straightness.
Cast
To vomit.
These verses . . . make me ready to cast.
Cast
The act of casting or throwing; a throw.
Cast
The thing thrown.
A cast of dreadful dust.
Cast
The distance to which a thing is or can be thrown.
Cast
A throw of dice; hence, a chance or venture.
An even cast whether the army should march this way or that way.
I have set my life upon a cast,And I will stand the hazard of the die.
Cast
That which is throw out or off, shed, or ejected; as, the skin of an insect, the refuse from a hawk's stomach, the excrement of a earthworm.
Cast
The act of casting in a mold.
And why such daily cast of brazen cannon.
Cast
An impression or mold, taken from a thing or person; amold; a pattern.
Cast
That which is formed in a mild; esp. a reproduction or copy, as of a work of art, in bronze or plaster, etc.; a casting.
Cast
Form; appearence; mien; air; style; as, a peculiar cast of countenance.
An heroic poem, but in another cast and figure.
And thus the native hue of resolutionIs sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.
Cast
A tendency to any color; a tinge; a shade.
Gray with a cast of green.
Cast
A chance, opportunity, privilege, or advantage; specifically, an opportunity of riding; a lift.
We bargained with the driver to give us a cast to the next stage.
If we had the cast o' a cart to bring it.
Cast
The assignment of parts in a play to the actors.
Cast
A flight or a couple or set of hawks let go at one time from the hand.
As when a cast of falcons make their flight.
Cast
A stoke, touch, or trick.
This was a cast of Wood's politics; for his information was wholly false.
Cast
A motion or turn, as of the eye; direction; look; glance; squint.
The cast of the eye is a gesture of aversion.
And let you see with one cast of an eye.
This freakish, elvish cast came into the child's eye.
Cast
A tube or funnel for conveying metal into a mold.
Cast
Four; that is, as many as are thrown into a vessel at once in counting herrings, etc; a warp.
Cast
Contrivance; plot, design.
Cast
The actors in a play
Cast
Container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens
Cast
The distinctive form in which a thing is made;
Pottery of this cast was found throughout the region
Cast
The visual appearance of something or someone;
The delicate cast of his features
Cast
Bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal
Cast
Object formed by a mold
Cast
The act of throwing dice
Cast
The act of throwing a fishing line out over the water by means of a rod and reel
Cast
A violent throw
Cast
Put or send forth;
She threw the flashlight beam into the corner
The setting sun threw long shadows
Cast a spell
Cast a warm light
Cast
Deposit;
Cast a vote
Cast a ballot
Cast
Select to play,sing, or dance a part in a play, movie, musical, opera, or ballet;
He cast a young woman in the role of Desdemona
Cast
Throw forcefully
Cast
Assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors;
Who cast this beautiful movie?
Cast
Move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment;
The gypsies roamed the woods
Roving vagabonds
The wandering Jew
The cattle roam across the prairie
The laborers drift from one town to the next
They rolled from town to town
Cast
Form by pouring (e.g., wax or hot metal) into a cast or mold;
Cast a bronze sculpture
Cast
Get rid of;
He shed his image as a pushy boss
Shed your clothes
Cast
Choose at random;
Draw a card
Cast lots
Cast
Formulate in a particular style or language;
I wouldn't put it that way
She cast her request in very polite language
Cast
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Cast
(of molten metal or glass) formed by pouring or pressing into a mold
Cast
An SQL function to modify data types in a database.
The database returned an error until he used CAST to correct the data type mismatch.
Cast
A process of altering one data type to another.
For better data visualization, it's sometimes essential to CAST numbers as strings.
Common Curiosities
Is the function of CAST limited to SQL?
While CAST is common in SQL, the concept of type casting is present in many programming languages.
Which is simpler to use: CAST or CONVERT?
CAST has a simpler syntax, making it easier for straightforward conversions.
What is the primary purpose of CAST in SQL?
CAST is used to change the data type of a column or value in SQL.
Does CAST support date formatting?
CAST offers limited date formatting support compared to CONVERT.
Are there performance differences between CAST and CONVERT?
Generally, performance differences are minimal, but it may vary based on specific database systems and contexts.
How do I decide between using CAST and CONVERT?
Consider the conversion complexity; use CAST for basic changes and CONVERT for added flexibility and formatting.
Can CONVERT handle all the conversions that CAST can?
Yes, CONVERT can handle all CAST conversions and offers additional formatting options.
How does CONVERT differ from CAST?
CONVERT offers additional formatting options, especially for dates, compared to CAST.
Are there any data types that CONVERT can handle that CAST cannot?
Both can handle common data types, but CONVERT offers better control over date and time formatting.
Can both CAST and CONVERT be used in any SQL database?
While common in many SQL databases, their exact implementation and support might vary across different database systems.
Are there any risks associated with using CAST and CONVERT?
Yes, incorrect usage can lead to data loss or errors, so it's essential to understand the source and target data types.
When should I prefer CONVERT over CAST?
CONVERT should be preferred when specific formatting, especially for date/time, is required.
Can I use CAST and CONVERT interchangeably?
While they can often be used interchangeably, CONVERT is recommended for more complex conversions and formatting.
In which scenarios is CAST more beneficial than CONVERT?
In scenarios where simple type conversion without formatting is needed, CAST is more beneficial.
What happens if a conversion is not possible using CAST or CONVERT?
Both functions may return an error if a conversion is not possible or if it results in data loss.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
